Coupling element for coupling a drive element to a mixing unit for a fluid container, system and use

Abstract

The invention relates to a coupling element (2, 60, 108) for coupling a drive element (102) to a mixing unit (110), comprising a main body (4), wherein the main body (4) has a first fluid section (32) for conveying a first fluid and has at least one further fluid section (34) for conveying a further fluid, and wherein the first fluid section (32) and the at least one further fluid section (34) are separated from each other in terms of flow. The coupling element (2, 60, 108) is characterized in that the main body (4) has an outer part (6) with an interior space (14) and has a central part (12) with a first hollow space (22, 26) and with at least one further hollow space (28, 24), wherein the central part (12) has a first connecting element (48) for transmitting a drive force and has a second connecting element (50) for transmitting a drive force, in that the central part (12) is accommodated by the outer part (6) so as to be rotatably mounted, in that at least part of the central part (12) is arranged in the interior space (14) of the outer part (6) and the interior space (14) is formed in such a way that a free region (16) of the interior space (14) surrounds the central part (12), in that the free region (16) of the interior space (14) of the outer part (6) and the first hollow space (22, 26) of the central part (12) together form at least part of the first fluid section (32), and in that the at least one further hollow space (28, 24) of the central part (12) forms at least part of the at least one further fluid section (34). A system and use are also described.

Description

[0001] Coupling element for coupling a drive element with a mixing unit for a fluid container, system and use

[0002] The present invention relates to a coupling element for coupling a drive element to a mixing unit, comprising a base body, wherein the base body has a first fluid path for conveying a first fluid and at least one further fluid path for conveying a further fluid, and wherein the first fluid path and the at least one further fluid path are fluidically separated from one another. The present invention further relates to a system having a coupling element and a mixing unit, wherein the coupling element has a connecting piece for connecting to the mixing unit, and wherein the mixing unit has a connecting counterpart for connecting to the connecting piece of the coupling element. The present invention further relates to a use of a coupling element.

[0003] In chemistry or biology, for example, for microbiological studies or cell cultures, mass transfers between fluids are frequently required. Examples of such mass transfers include the transfer of oxygen from air into water or the transfer of a dissolved, non-polar product of a preceding chemical reaction into an extraction liquid. Mass transfer is usually caused or at least facilitated by bringing the substances involved in the transfer into contact with one another, for example, by mixing, blending, dispersing, or similar. For certain processes, it is intended that a gas be introduced into a liquid in the form of bubbles, for example to enable biosynthesis.

[0004] For example, the liquid can be placed in a so-called bioreactor, and the gas can be introduced using a gassing and stirring unit immersed in the liquid. The gassing and stirring unit can be designed as a movable unit with membrane elements, wherein the membrane element is provided for the diffusive or convective transfer of a first fluid, for example a gas or a liquid, into another fluid. With a gassing and stirring unit, the distribution of the first fluid in the other fluid can be optimized, whereby the occurrence and size of bubbles can also be controlled. Such a gassing and stirring unit is known, for example, from the publication WO 2021 / 152128 A1.

[0005] However, when using the conventional gassing unit, the drive and fluid delivery to or from the gassing and stirring unit remain a challenge, especially because these must usually be carried out simultaneously. Combining and combining familiar laboratory equipment for gas supply and other means for driving the gassing and stirring unit results in a connection system that requires a relatively large amount of space. It is also difficult to ensure a secure connection between the various components.

[0006] A further challenge is the retrofitting of existing reactors or fluid vessels with the familiar gassing and stirring unit. Typically, fluid vessels or reactors are already equipped with a drive element for a moving part, such as a simple stirring unit, with software provided to control the drive. Retrofitting or replacing the simple stirring unit with the familiar gassing and stirring unit has previously required a complex and costly replacement of the existing drive and software.

[0007] Against this background, the present invention is based on the object of providing improved connection means for the simultaneous transmission of a drive force and for the transmission of at least two fluids for a mixing unit. The aforementioned object is achieved according to the invention with a coupling element for coupling a drive element to a mixing unit, with a base body, wherein the base body has a first fluid path for conveying a first fluid and at least one further fluid path for conveying a further fluid, and wherein the first fluid path and the at least one further fluid path are fluidically separated from one another, in that the base body has an outer part with an interior space and a middle part with a first cavity and with at least one further cavity,wherein the middle part has a first connecting element for transmitting a drive force and a second connecting element for transmitting a drive force, that the middle part is rotatably mounted by the outer part, that the middle part is at least partially arranged in the interior of the outer part and the interior is designed such that a free area of ​​the interior surrounds the middle part, that the free area of ​​the interior of the outer part and the first cavity of the middle part together at least partially form the first fluid path, and that the at least one further cavity of the middle part at least partially forms the at least one further fluid path.

[0008] Such a coupling element enables both the transmission of power from a drive element to a mixing unit and the transmission of at least two fluids simultaneously.

[0009] By, on the one hand, the rotatable mounting of the inner part with the outer part, and, on the other hand, by the respective shape of the outer part and the inner part, as well as their arrangement relative to one another, which form the first fluid path, a rotation-independent connection of a fluid source or disposal unit with a mixing unit can be ensured. This eliminates the need for so-called twist locks for connecting fluid sources, for example, to the coupling element. Furthermore, the coupling element can be designed to be compact, which is particularly advantageous for retrofitting.The above-mentioned object is further achieved according to the invention with a system having a coupling element according to the present disclosure and with a mixing unit, wherein the coupling element has a connecting piece for connection to the mixing unit, and wherein the mixing unit has a connecting counterpart for connection to the connecting piece of the coupling element, in that in a connected state the connecting piece and the connecting counterpart are designed to transmit a driving force of a first fluid and at least one further fluid.

[0010] In particular, the connecting piece can have a connection point of the first fluid path, a connection point of the further fluid path and the second connecting element.

[0011] This allows the system to be more user-friendly and space-saving.

[0012] The above-mentioned object is further achieved according to the invention by using a coupling element according to the present disclosure for coupling a drive element to a mixing unit for a fluid container, in particular to a mixing unit for a reactor for chemical reactions and / or for bioprocess engineering, preferably to a mixing unit for a bioreactor.

[0013] This allows existing laboratory equipment to be retrofitted. In particular, existing drive systems and their software can continue to be used, while at the same time, complex modifications to the drive control system are avoided. Preferably, the device can be used in connection with gas fermentations, a fluid contactor supply for extraction in a biological or chemical process, or a process in the food industry. A fluid path can be designed as a channel or cavity, wherein a fluid path can have one or more elements, channels, or cavities that are fluidically connected to one another. Preferably, a fluid path has a first connection point and a second connection point, wherein a fluid flow can be established between the first connection point and the second connection point.

[0014] The central part of the base body has a first connecting element and a second connecting element, each designed to transmit a drive force. The first connecting element is preferably designed for mechanical connection, in particular for releasable, positive connection, with a connecting counterpart of the drive element. Examples of a connecting element are a thread, a bayonet lock, a flange coupling, a polygonal bolt, a clamping element, a rough surface for frictional contact, or the like. The first connecting element and the second connecting element can each be arranged at a distal end of the central part.

[0015] The middle part is at least partially arranged in the interior of the outer part, and the interior is designed such that a free region of the interior surrounds the middle part. Furthermore, the free region of the interior of the outer part and the first cavity of the middle part together at least partially form the first fluid path. For this purpose, the interior of the outer part is preferably shaped such that, when the middle part is accommodated by the interior, a free space remains which surrounds the middle part along a possible direction of rotation of the middle part relative to the outer part and which is fluidically connected to the first cavity of the middle part. This has the effect that the first fluid path can be flowed through by the first fluid path regardless of the rotational position of the middle part relative to the outer part.The interior of the outer part can be configured such that a first free area, together with the first cavity of the central part, at least partially forms the first fluid path, and that at least one further free area, together with the at least one further cavity of the central part, at least partially forms at least one further fluid path. Thus, both the first fluid path and the further fluid path can be flowed through independently of the rotational position of the central part relative to the outer part.

[0016] A “mixing unit” preferably has a fluid path for conducting a first fluid and is designed to be used together with a fluid container for a further fluid. In particular, the fluid path of the mixing unit is at least partially permeable to the first fluid, so that the mixing unit can be used to bring the first fluid into contact with the further fluid in the fluid container. The fluid path of the mixing unit can have a first section, a second section and a third section, wherein the first section is designed to conduct the first fluid up to the second section, wherein the second section comprises a material permeable to the first fluid, for example a permeable membrane, and wherein the third section is designed to conduct a portion of the first fluid that was not allowed to pass through the material of the second section.The membrane can be designed for convective fluid transport or for diffusive fluid transport.

[0017] The mixing unit can have at least one further fluid path or further fluid path sections designed to conduct a mixture of the first fluid with another fluid and / or other fluids. Thus, several fluids can be brought into contact with the fluid of a fluid container in parallel through the mixing unit. A mixture of an introduced fluid with the fluid of the fluid container can also be discharged from the fluid container. The mixing unit preferably has a first connection for a connection to the first fluid path of the coupling element and a second connection for a connection to a second fluid path of the coupling element.

[0018] The mixing unit is preferably designed to be movable within a fluid container in order to support the mixing or dispersion of the first fluid in the additional fluid of the fluid container or to achieve the most homogeneous distribution of the first fluid across the volume of the additional fluid. For this purpose, the mixing unit can have a connecting element for absorbing a driving force. The mixing unit can be designed, in particular, as disclosed in WO 2021 / 152128 A1.

[0019] Containers in designs commonly used in chemistry and bioprocess engineering can be used as fluid containers, whereby these are intended for multiple or single use. A non-exhaustive list of examples includes: stirred tank reactors, bubble column reactors, fixed-bed reactors, fluidized-bed reactors, membrane bioreactors, photobioreactors, and reactors for so-called "tissue engineering" such as roller bottles, flasks, and wave bags. The fluid container can be designed as disclosed in WO 2021 / 152128 A1.

[0020] The first fluid that can be conveyed through the first fluid path of the coupling element and / or the further fluid that can be conveyed through the at least one further fluid path of the coupling element can contain at least one element, in particular an element from the list: a gas, an oil or extraction agent, n-octane, n-hexane, cyclohexane, ethyl acetate, n-hexadecane, tetradecane, ethyl oleate, 1-decene, 1-dodecene, n-nonane, dioctyl ether, limonene, undecane, cyclooctane, p-cymene, 2-undecanone, 1-octene, n-decane, oleyl alcohol, methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE), capric acid ethyl ester, a nutrient solution, PBS (phosphate buffered saline solution), brilliant green bile lactose broth, Casein soy peptone broth (CASO), DMEM (Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium), E-MEM (Eagle's minimal essential medium), meat water, Ham's F12, LB medium, minimal medium 9, RPM1, SOB medium, TY medium, YPD medium, HPL (human platelet lysate).

[0021] Various embodiments of the coupling element, the system, and the use are described below. The individual embodiments apply independently to the coupling element, the system, and the use. Furthermore, the individual embodiments can be combined with one another as desired.

[0022] In one embodiment of the coupling element, it is provided that a first free region of the interior of the outer part and the first cavity of the middle part together form the first fluid path at least partially, and that a further free region of the interior of the outer part and the at least one further cavity of the middle part together form the at least one further fluid path at least partially, wherein the first free region of the interior and the further region of the interior are fluidically separated from one another by a sealing element.

[0023] Thus, the outer part and the middle part form the fluid paths and separate cannulas or tubes are not required.

[0024] The coupling element can be designed such that the first region of the interior at least partially surrounds the central part, and the further region of the interior at least partially surrounds the central part. Thus, the fluid path can be flowed through by the first fluid regardless of the rotational position of the central part relative to the outer part.

[0025] The sealing element is preferably a shaft sealing element that ensures a flow-tight connection between the outer part and the middle part and simultaneously allows rotation of the middle part relative to the outer part. An example of such a shaft sealing element is a shaft sealing ring. The sealing element can serve as a bearing element between the outer part and the middle part. The sealing element can contain a plastic, for example Teflon (PTFE), and in particular can have a plastic lip or a plastic coating. The sealing element is preferably designed to seal the connection between the outer part and the inner part, wherein the inner part moves relative to the outer part at a speed of 0 to 1500 revolutions per minute, and wherein the sealing element is exposed to a pressure of 0 to 10 bar, in particular a pressure of 0 to 3 bar.

[0026] The first fluid path can be fluidically separated from the surroundings of the coupling element by a first sealing element, and the at least one further fluid path can be fluidically separated from the surroundings of the coupling element by a second sealing element. In this case, the first sealing element and the second sealing element are shaft sealing elements.

[0027] In one embodiment of the coupling element, it is provided that the first fluid path has a first connection point and a second connection point, that the first connection point is arranged on the outer part, and that the second connection point is arranged on the middle part and, together with the second connecting element for transmitting a drive force, forms a connecting piece for transmitting a drive force and the first fluid.

[0028] Thus, the connector can be used to transmit both power and fluid to or from a mixing unit. This allows for a compact and space-saving design of the coupling element. At the same time, user-friendliness is increased.

[0029] In one embodiment of the coupling element it is provided that the first

[0030] Cavity and the at least one further cavity are essentially formed as channels and extend essentially parallel to one another in a main extension direction of the central part.

[0031] This means that the middle part can be formed in one piece and the cavities can be created simply by drilling holes.

[0032] In one embodiment of the coupling element, it is provided that the first cavity of the central part at least partially surrounds the at least one further cavity of the central part.

[0033] This allows a fluid connection to a mixing unit to be ensured easily and safely, independent of rotation of the central part.

[0034] In one embodiment of the coupling element, it is provided that the central part has a shaft with a cavity and an inner part with a bore, that the inner part is received in the cavity of the shaft such that the cavity is divided into a first cavity region and a second cavity region, wherein the first cavity region corresponds to the first cavity of the central part for the first fluid path and wherein the second cavity region together with the bore of the inner part form the further cavity of the central part for the at least one further fluid path.

[0035] Concentrically arranged bores in one-piece metal components are difficult to realize, especially when the bores have a large length-to-diameter ratio, for example, considerably greater than 30. Designing the middle part as a multi-piece component arranged one inside the other offers a simple and cost-effective solution for concentrically designing the first fluid path and a further fluid path. Arranging the fluid paths concentrically, in turn, offers the advantage of a space-saving connection to a movable part, such as a mixing unit according to the present disclosure. The inner part can be rotatably supported by the shaft. Alternatively, the shaft and the inner part can be connected to one another in a rotationally fixed manner. Preferably, the first cavity region and the second cavity region are fluidly separated from one another by a sealing element.If the inner part is rotatably supported by the shaft, the sealing element is preferably a shaft sealing element.

[0036] In one embodiment of the coupling element, it is provided that the first fluid and / or the further fluid is a gas.

[0037] Components with moving parts intended to transfer a fluid are generally more difficult to seal when the fluid is a gas than when it is a liquid. This is especially true when the component in question is designed for rotational movement. The coupling element thus offers a wider range of possible applications and is particularly suitable for certain biological processes in which a gas must be transferred.

[0038] In one embodiment of the coupling element, it is provided that the first fluid path and the at least one further fluid path are designed to convey fluids in directions opposite to one another.

[0039] Thus, for example, a mixing unit can be supplied with a fluid and then a fluid surplus can be disposed of.

[0040] Alternatively, the coupling element can be configured such that the first fluid path and the at least one further fluid path conduct fluids in the same direction. This allows a mixing unit to be supplied with multiple fluids simultaneously, or multiple fluids to be discharged from the mixing unit. The first fluid path can have a first connection point and a second connection point, and the at least one further fluid path can have a third connection point and a fourth connection point, wherein the first connection point, the second connection point, the third connection point, and the fourth connection point are each configured for the introduction and / or discharge of a fluid.The following constellations are thus possible: simultaneous introduction of a fluid via the first fluid path and discharge of another fluid via the further fluid path, simultaneous introduction of a fluid via the first fluid path and introduction of another fluid via the further fluid path, simultaneous discharge of a fluid via the first fluid path and discharge of another fluid via the further fluid path, simultaneous discharge of a fluid via the first fluid path and introduction of another fluid via the further fluid path.

[0041] The coupling element can have dimensions, for example a length, a width and / or a diameter, which have been selected depending on the size or volume of a fluid container. The coupling element is compact and the base body of the coupling element can have a total length in the range of 0 to 40 cm, in particular in the range of 0 to 35 cm, preferably in the range of 0 to 30 cm, more preferably in the range of 5 to 25 cm, particularly preferably in the range of 10 to 20 cm. In addition, the base body can have a width and / or a diameter which have been selected depending on a drive force to be transmitted. For example, the base body can have a width in the range of 0 to 10 cm, in particular in the range of 2 to 8 cm, preferably in the range of 3 to 6 cm.

[0042] An example of a coupling element comprises a base body, wherein the outer part of the base body is substantially cylindrical, has a length of approximately 130 mm and a diameter of approximately 42 mm, and wherein the middle part of the base body is substantially cylindrical, has a length of approximately 178 mm and a diameter of approximately 20 mm. Such a coupling element is particularly compact and can be used in conjunction with a fluid container with a volume in the range of 0.2 to 10 L and a correspondingly dimensioned mixing unit.

[0043] In the coupling element, it can be provided that the base body has at least one adaptation element, wherein the shape of the adaptation element is adapted to the shape of the outer part and / or the middle part, and wherein the shape of the adaptation element is also adapted to the shape of a fluid container and / or to the shape of a cover element of a fluid container. As a result, the coupling element can be used for an expanded variety of fluid containers, in particular for fluid containers of different sizes. For example, the shape of the adaptation element can be adapted to an opening in a cover element for a fluid container, wherein the volume of the fluid container is equal to or greater than 0.2 L, in particular equal to or greater than 0.25 L, preferably in the range from 0.5 to 50 L, more preferably in the range from 2 to 10 L, possibly equal to or greater than 50 L.

[0044] In one embodiment of the system, it is provided that the mixing unit has a fluid path, and that the first fluid path of the coupling element, the fluid path of the mixing unit and the at least one further fluid path of the coupling element together form a conveying path for a gas or a liquid.

[0045] Thus, a first fluid can be conveyed through the coupling element via the first fluid path to the mixing unit. The first fluid can then be transferred by the mixing unit via the fluid path to the mixing unit in a second fluid of a fluid container. A remaining portion of the first fluid, optionally mixed with a portion of the second fluid, can be conveyed out of the mixing unit via the second fluid path of the coupling element. The system is thus designed for the simultaneous, separate conveyance of a first fluid and a second fluid, whereby the mixing unit can be set in motion simultaneously by force transmission.

[0046] In one embodiment of the system, it is provided that a drive element, a first fluid unit and at least one further fluid unit are provided, that the drive element is connectable to the first connecting element of the coupling element, that the first fluid unit is connectable to the first fluid path of the coupling element, and that the at least one further fluid unit is connectable to the at least one further fluid path of the coupling element.

[0047] As a result, a first fluid can be transmitted between the first fluid unit and the mixing unit, a second fluid between the second fluid unit and the mixing unit, and a driving force from the driving element to the mixing unit can be transmitted simultaneously.

[0048] In a corresponding embodiment of the use, it is provided that a driving force is transmitted from the coupling element to the mixing unit and at least two fluids are transmitted between the coupling element and the mixing unit simultaneously.

[0049] In one embodiment of the use, it is provided that the first fluid is conveyed through the first fluid path at a pressure in the range of 0 to 10 bar, in particular in the range of 0 to 3 bar, and / or that the further fluid is conveyed through the at least one further fluid path at a pressure in the range of 0 to 10 bar, in particular in the range of 0 to 3 bar.

[0050] Such pressure conditions enable a fluid supply that is desirable for chemical or biochemical reactions. For this purpose, at least one sealing element of the coupling element can be made of a material that can withstand a pressure in the range of 0 to 10 bar, in particular in the range of 0 to 3 bar.

[0051] Preferably, the first fluid path and / or the at least one further fluid path of the coupling element is designed to conduct a fluid, in particular a gas, which has a temperature of at least 100°C, in particular of at least 121°C, preferably of at least 150°C. As a result, the coupling element can be disinfected and / or sterilized and can also conduct fluids that are suitable for disinfecting other components of the system. For this purpose, the base body or parts of the base body can comprise stainless steel or PEEK. In addition, at least one of the sealing elements of the coupling element can be made of a temperature-resistant material such as metal or plastic, for example aluminum, stainless steel, Teflon, or others.

[0052] In one embodiment of the use it is provided that the drive element is coupled to the mixing unit by the coupling element, and that the mixing unit is driven at a speed in the range from 0 to 1 500 revolutions per minute, in particular in the range from 0 to 1 500 revolutions per minute, preferably in the range from 0 to 1 000 revolutions per minute, more preferably in the range from 0 to 600 revolutions per minute, particularly preferably in the range from 100 to 600 revolutions per minute, particularly preferably in the range from 0 to 200 revolutions per minute.

[0053] The speed or rotational speed at which the mixing unit is driven generally depends on the specific application. Parameters such as the type and composition of the fluid in the fluid container, the gas consumption of biological cells, the dimensions or volume or diameter of the fluid container and the mixing unit itself must be considered when selecting the drive speed. For example, significantly higher rotational speeds can be used for fluid containers with a relatively small diameter than for fluid containers with a larger diameter in order to achieve a similar peripheral speed in the fluid contained in the respective fluid container.

[0054] The coupling element or system can be used with a speed in the range of 0 to 1,500 revolutions per minute for a wide variety of fluid containers. A speed in the range of 0 to 1,000 revolutions per minute is advantageous for cell cultures with relatively high gas consumption. For animal cell cultures, a speed in the range of 0 to 200 revolutions per minute is preferred, while for microorganism fermentation processes, a speed in the range of 100 to 600 revolutions per minute is desirable. With a speed in the range of 0 to 600 revolutions per minute, both animal cell culture and microorganism fermentation processes can be served.

[0055] Further features and advantages of the coupling element, the system and the use can be seen from the following description of embodiments, with reference to the attached drawing.

[0056] In the drawing show

[0057] Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of a coupling element;

[0058] Fig. 2a shows a second embodiment of a coupling element in a sectional view;

[0059] Fig. 2b shows the second embodiment of a coupling element in a side view; Fig. 2c shows the second embodiment of a coupling element in a perspective view; and

[0060] Fig. 3 shows an embodiment of a system.

[0061] Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of a coupling element 2 for coupling a drive element to a mixing unit. The coupling element 2 comprises a base body 4 with an outer part 6, a shaft 8, and an inner part 10. The shaft 8 and the inner part 10 together form a central part 12.

[0062] The outer part 6 is essentially cylindrical and has an interior space 14. The middle part 12 or the shaft 8 and the inner part 10 together are rotatably received in the interior space 14 of the outer part 6. The interior space 14 of the outer part 6 and the outer wall of the middle part 12 or the shaft 8 form a first free area 16 and a second free area 18, wherein the first free area 16 and the second free area 18 surround the middle part 12. The first free area 16 of the interior space 14 and the second area 18 of the interior space 14 are fluidically separated from one another by a first sealing element 20.

[0063] The shaft 8 has a cavity 22, and the inner part 10 has a bore 24. The inner part 10 is received in the cavity 22 of the shaft 8 such that the cavity 22 is divided into a first cavity region 26 and a second cavity region 28. The first cavity region 26 and the second cavity region 28 are fluidically separated from one another by a second sealing element 30.

[0064] The first cavity region 26 of the shaft 8 and the first free region 16 of the interior 14 of the outer part 6 together form a first fluid path 32. The bore 24 of the inner part 10, the second cavity region 28 of the shaft 8 and the second free region 18 of the interior 14 of the outer part 6 together form a second fluid path 34.

[0065] A third and a fourth sealing element 36, 38 serve to seal the interior 14 of the outer part 6.

[0066] The fact that the central part 12 is rotatably mounted in the interior 14 of the outer part 6, and that the first free region 16 and the second free region 18 of the interior 14 surround the shaft 8, means that the first fluid path 32 and the second fluid path 34 can be flowed through independently of the rotational position of the central part relative to the outer part 6.

[0067] The first fluid path 32 has a first connection point 40 and a second connection point 42, wherein the first connection point 40 is arranged on the outer part 6, and wherein the second connection point 42 is an opening of the first cavity region 26 of the shaft 8. The second fluid path 34 has a third connection point 44 and a fourth connection point 46, wherein the third connection point 44 is arranged on the outer part 6, and wherein the fourth connection point 46 is an opening of the bore 24 of the inner part 10.

[0068] The shaft 8 has a first connecting element 48 for transmitting a drive force and a second connecting element 50 for transmitting a drive force, wherein the second connecting element 50 is arranged at a distal end 52 of the shaft 8 and is designed as a bayonet lock. The second connection point 42 of the first fluid path 32 and the fourth connection point 46 of the second fluid path 34 are arranged at the same distal end 52 of the shaft 8 or the central part and together form a connecting piece 54 for transmitting a drive force, a first fluid, and a second fluid.

[0069] The base body 4 of the coupling element 2 is made of stainless steel. The sealing elements 20, 30, 36, 38 are designed as shaft seals with Teflon. This makes the coupling element 2 suitable for conveying gases at a pressure of up to 10 bar and a temperature of at least 150°C. The central part 12 can rotate relative to the outer part 6 at a speed of up to 1,500 revolutions per minute.

[0070] Figs. 2a, 2b, and 2c show a second embodiment of a coupling element 60, each in a sectional view, a side view, and a perspective view. The coupling element 60 has essentially the same components as the coupling element 2 from Fig. 1, which are identified by the same reference numerals. In the coupling element 60, unlike the coupling element 2 from Fig. 1, the second connecting element 50 is designed as a thread 61.

[0071] In addition, the coupling element 60 of Figs. 2a, 2b, and 3c has a first adaptation element 62 and a second adaptation element 64. The first adaptation element 62 is designed as a cylinder with an inner diameter 66 and an outer diameter 68, wherein the inner diameter 66 is adapted to the shape of the outer part 6, and wherein the outer diameter 68 of the first adaptation element 62 is adapted to a housing element of a drive element (not shown) for fastening the coupling element to the housing element.

[0072] The second adaptation element 64 is adapted to the shape of the shaft 8 and the outer part 8. In addition, the second adaptation element 64 has a thread 72 suitable for connection to a cover element of a fluid container.

[0073] The shaft 8 is rotatably mounted with the outer part 6 by a bearing element 70. The first connection point 40 of the first fluid path 32 and the third connection point 44 of the second fluid path 34 are each connected to a connection element 74, 76 for a gas line.

[0074] Fig. 3 shows an embodiment of a system 100, wherein the system 100 comprises a drive element 102, a first fluid unit 104, a second fluid unit 106, a coupling element 108, a mixing unit 110, and a fluid container 112. The coupling element 108 is configured as shown in Figs. 2a, 2b, and 2c.

[0075] The drive element 102 is connected to the coupling element 108 via the first connecting element 48 of the shaft 8. The first fluid unit 104 is connected to the first fluid path 32 of the coupling element 108 via the first connection point 40, and the second fluid unit 106 is connected to the second fluid path 34 of the coupling element 108 via the third connection point 44.

[0076] The mixing unit 110 has a fluid path 114 with a first section 116, a second section 118, and a third section 120. The first section 116 is designed as a first, flow-through channel 122. The second section 118 has a membrane 124 designed for convective transport of a fluid, and the third section 120 is designed as a second flow-through channel 126. The mixing unit 110 has a connecting counterpart 128, at which the first channel 122 and the second channel 126 open, with the second channel 126 surrounding the first channel 122. The connecting counterpart 128 also has a thread 130 as a counterpart to the thread 61 of the coupling element 108.

[0077] The mixing unit 110 and the coupling element 108 are fluidically and mechanically connected via a connection of the connecting piece 54 to the connecting counterpart 128. The mixing unit 110 is arranged in the receiving volume of the fluid container 112 and immersed in a liquid 132. The coupling element 108 is connected to a cover element 134 of the fluid container 112 via the second adaptation element 64.

Claims

P a t e n t a n s p r ü c h e 1. Coupling element (2, 60, 108) for coupling a drive element (102) to a mixing unit (110), comprising a base body (4), wherein the base body (4) has a first fluid path (32) for conveying a first fluid and at least one further fluid path (34) for conveying a further fluid, and wherein the first fluid path (32) and the at least one further fluid path (34) are fluidically separated from one another, characterized in that the base body (4) has an outer part (6) with an interior space (14) and a middle part (12) with a first cavity (22, 26) and with at least one further cavity (28, 24), wherein the middle part (12) has a first connecting element (48) for transmitting a drive force and a second connecting element (50) for transmitting a drive force, that the middle part (12) is rotatably mounted by the outer part (6),that the middle part (12) is at least partially arranged in the interior (14) of the outer part (6) and the interior (14) is designed such that a free area (16) of the interior (14) surrounds the middle part (12), that the free area (16) of the interior (14) of the outer part (6) and the first cavity (22, 26) of the middle part (12) together form the first fluid path (32) at least partially, and that the at least one further cavity (28, 24) of the middle part (12) at least partially forms the at least one further fluid path (34).

2. Coupling element (2, 60, 108) according to claim 1, characterized in that a first free region (16) of the interior (14) of the outer part (6) and the first cavity (22, 26) of the middle part (12) together form the first fluid path (32) at least partially, and that a further free region (18) of the interior (14) of the outer part (6) and the at least one further cavity (28, 24) of the middle part (12) together form the at least one further fluid path (34) at least partially, wherein the first free region (16) of the interior (14) and the further region (18) of the interior (14) are fluidically separated from one another by a sealing element (20).

3. Coupling element (2, 60, 108) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first fluid path (32) has a first connection point (40) and a second connection point (42), that the first connection point (40) is arranged on the outer part (6), and that the second connection point (42) is arranged on the middle part (12) and together with the second connecting element (50) for transmitting a driving force forms a connecting piece (54) for transmitting a driving force and the first fluid.

4. Coupling element (2, 60, 108) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the first cavity (22, 26) and the at least one further cavity (28, 24) are essentially formed as channels and extend essentially parallel to one another in a main extension direction of the central part (12).

5. Coupling element (2, 60, 108) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that that the first cavity (22, 26) of the central part (12) at least partially surrounds the at least one further cavity (28, 24) of the central part (12).

6. Coupling element (2, 60, 108) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the central part (12) has a shaft (8) with a cavity (22) and an inner part with a bore (24), that the inner part is received in the cavity (22) of the shaft (8) such that the cavity (22) is divided into a first cavity region (26) and a second cavity region (28), wherein the first cavity region (26) corresponds to the first cavity (22, 26) for the first fluid path (32) and wherein the second cavity region (28) together with the bore (24) of the inner part form the second cavity (28, 24).

7. Coupling element (2, 60, 108) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the first fluid and / or the further fluid is a gas.

8. Coupling element (2, 60, 108) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the first fluid path (32) and the at least one further fluid path (34) are designed to convey fluids in directions opposite to one another.

9. System with a coupling element (2, 60, 108) according to one of claims 1 to 8 and with a mixing unit (110), wherein the coupling element (2, 60, 108) has a connecting piece (54) for connection to the mixing unit (110), and wherein the mixing unit (110) has a connecting counterpart (128) for connection to the connecting piece (54) of the coupling element (2, 60, 108), characterized in that, in a connected state, the connecting piece (54) and the connecting counterpart (128) are designed to transmit a driving force, a first fluid and at least one further fluid.

10. System according to claim 9, characterized in that the mixing unit (110) has a fluid path (114), and that the first fluid path (32) of the coupling element (2, 60, 108), the fluid path (114) of the mixing unit (110) and the at least one further fluid path (34) of the coupling element (2, 60, 108) together form a conveying path for a gas or a liquid.

11. System according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that a drive element (102), a first fluid unit (104) and at least one further fluid unit (106) are provided, that the drive element (102) is connectable to the first connecting element (48) of the coupling element (2, 60, 108), that the first fluid unit (104) is connectable to the first fluid path (32) of the coupling element (2, 60, 108), and that the at least one further fluid unit (106) is connectable to the at least one further fluid path (34) of the coupling element (2, 60, 108).

12. Use of a coupling element (2, 60, 108) according to one of claims 1 to 8 for coupling a drive element (102) with a mixing unit (110) for a fluid container (112), in particular with a mixing unit (110) for a reactor for chemical reactions and / or for Bioprocess engineering, preferably with a mixing unit (110) for a bioreactor.

13. Use according to claim 12, characterized in that a driving force is transmitted from the coupling element (2, 60, 108) to the mixing unit (110) and at least two fluids are transmitted between the coupling element (2, 60, 108) and the mixing unit (110) simultaneously.

14. Use according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the first fluid is conveyed through the first fluid path (32) at a pressure in the range from 0 to 10 bar, in particular in the range from 0 to 3 bar, and / or that the at least one further fluid is conveyed through the at least one further fluid path (34) at a pressure in the range from 0 to 10 bar, in particular in the range from 0 to 3 bar.

15. Use according to one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that the drive element (102) is coupled to the mixing unit (110) by the coupling element (2, 60, 108), and that the mixing unit (110) is rotated at a speed in the range from 0 to 1 500 revolutions per minute, in particular in the range from 0 to 1 500 revolutions per minute, preferably in the range of 0 to 1 000 revolutions per minute, more preferably in the range of 0 to 600 revolutions per minute, particularly preferably in the range of 100 to 600 revolutions per minute, particularly preferably in the range of 0 to 200 revolutions per minute.

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